HEPBURN-MURPHY THRIVING OFF THE PRESSURE OF POINTS ON THE LINE

Cambridge United’s loanee striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy says he’s loving every minute of the added pressure that comes with representing the U’s with Sky Bet League Two points at stake.

The 20-year old has already shown real flashes of his exciting potential during his two opening appearances for United, and is revelling in the high octane atmospheres that come with a competitive match day in amber and black.

He said: “You are fighting for something, you are playing for points and we are looking to climb the table which is what we are doing at the moment.

“It’s completely different to what I’ve been used to playing at U23s level at Villa. Coming into first team football at Cambridge United the atmosphere is totally different.

“The first game at Notts County, the atmosphere was brilliant and it was a really good feeling. I just thought that I need to get myself together and try to have good game in my first appearance.

“I’ve enjoyed it very much, dealing with the pressure and I hope that has showed in my last two performances.

“Getting the wins have been important and we want to get away from the relegation zone. The lads had a win before I arrived and then we’ve had two since I’ve been here and those wins have helped us climb the table a bit more.”

Hepburn-Murphy also highlights that it was the importance of playing plenty of game time during his loan which had a significant impact on his decision to make the switch to the Abbey Stadium.

“Before the move came about, the manager (Colin Calderwood) phoned me and he was quite keen for me to come here. He knows me a lot from his time at Aston Villa and having that connection with someone who knows me, I thought it was a good move for me.

“I did have a few offers from League One but when I sat down and spoke to my agent, it’s all about getting game time and going somewhere and a team that I know I would definitely get the game time to mature as a player.